WARNING: This episode discusses the sensitive and potentially triggering topic of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
In this episode, we welcome Ashley Freeman, an EMT who is also working towards her master’s degree in social work. Once she completes her program, Ashley plans on becoming a therapist who works specifically with frontline workers. Although she is currently living a healthy and happy life with a bright future, things were not always so positive for her. Ashley always looked up to her father, Eric, a dedicated paramedic, and aspired to follow in his footsteps. As a child, Ashely’s dream was to one day become an EMT and work with her dad on the road. However, life took a tragic turn when her father died by suicide in 2013. This profound loss would take years to overcome. As a testament to her resilience, Ashley overcame her grief and achieved her EMT license in 2017. During her training, she found a mentor in Robert, her father’s best friend and fellow paramedic. Robert’s support was a comforting reminder of her father’s legacy and pride in her strength and accomplishments. Yet, in a heartbreaking repetition of history, Robert too passed away by suicide shortly after Ashley completed her training. Despite these painful losses, Ashley continues to honor the memory of both her father and his best friend through her commitment as an EMT and future therapist for frontline workers. During this episode, Ashley will tell her story of tragedy and eventual triumph. Thank you, Ashley, for coming on the show and having the strength and bravery to tell your story.
The goal of this episode is to continue to openly discuss suicide in the frontline community so that we can continue to break through the stigma and other barriers that prevent too many of our brothers and sisters from seeking the help that they need.
The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.